[nicfit]

About me:

5’10” 220 lbs, responsible 31 years of age

I’ve taken the MSF
Wear a helmet (of course), and a Dainese fully padded jacket when I ride, with boots, and padding under jeans…

I’ve Ridden a few times around San Francisco, on a Suzuki DR200, and a DRZ400. I felt unstable and ‘big’ on the DR200. I felt very comfortable on the DRZ and felt it was much more stable…

I’m looking to buy a bike in the next year or so and I’ve been reading these forums, but wanted to personalize this question for me.. : )

I’m looking at the Kawasaki ER-6n, but have been reading on this forum that 600 is too much for a beginner bike. Wondering exactly what is considered ‘beginner’? I am definitely no veteran and have a lot to learn, but do not consider myself to be a beginner. You mention several times that the SV650 is good IF someone MUST get a 600cc, is the ER-6n equivalent to that?

I am still considering getting the Ninja 250, because it is cheaper both in cost and insurance, but am afraid that I will feel too big and unstable on the 250 as I did on the DR200. I do not want to get a DRZ, it’s just not my style.

I also wanted to know if any ‘beginners’ or ‘veterans’ had any thoughts on the ER-6n as a beginner bike.

Thanks in advance guys!

[SantaCruzRider]

No personal experience with the bike, but it sure looks like a nice ride. Parallel twin might not be as beginner friendly as a V-twin, but that’s just a guess.

Not sure if you spend a lot of time with folks of small stature, but 5-10, 220lbs isn’t necessarily too big for the average bike. In fact, the Ninja 250 fits like a larger bike, as does the Ninja 500 and Suzuki 500.

I look forward to hearing if anyone here has ridden the ER-6n and has an opinion. But otherwise, I think there are a number of really nice sport bikes in this class and it sounds like you’re scouting in the sweet spot.

Take your time shopping and maybe I’ll see you out on 280 or 85 later this summer.

[bigguybbr]

I don’t have any experience on the er6n other than plunking my butt on one when i was looking at bikes. I ended up with the Yamaha fz6r. Similar specs and price for both with the exception of one being naked and the other not. I found the fz6r to be very comfortable for a large rider (6’6″ 260lbs) and is geared towards newer riders. I actually have an easier time running the msf course drills on that than I did on the honda nighthawk from class.

[WeaponZero]

Being that the ER-6n is fairly new to the market (hasn’t even been around for a year yet), you won’t find many people who have experience on one. What I can say is that magazine reviews comparing it to the SV650 say that it is more user-friendly and not as sporty despite the more aggressive design, and that the ergonomics of it are not as comfy as it may look. Some magazines have describes its ergonomics as “weird”.

[Author]

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